How do I give feedback/suggestions to my bandmates? | Ask The Drummer Podcast #019

In this article, I’ll help you discover what it is that’s holding you back from achieving your goals.

Marland from San Diego asks about ear plugs. The sound quality of his current ear plugs just aren't cutting it. What are the best kind to get? In this episode, I give my recommendation for exactly what kind of ear plugs you should get, and what filter is best for you.

Last September, I embarked on an extended backpacking trip throughout Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I saw the sights, ate the food, and immersed myself into other ways of life. Living out of a backpack is something that I think everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime.

It's happened to us all at some point... you're sitting in and a tune is called that you don't know.

How do you "drive the bus" even if you don't know the tune?

Nathan from San Diego asks about ear protection. What can you do to prevent tinnitus? How can you make smarter decisions about ear protection? In this episode, I offer specific ear plug recommendations and share my tips for preventing ear damage.

The 5 books that most positively impacted my drumming and life.

This week’s question comes from Richard in Seattle WA who asks about buying his first practice drum kit. How should he spend his money wisely? In this episode, I’ll offer my tips for how to purchase your first drum set, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Show notes and links for this episode can be found at http://www.askthedrummer.com

Matt from Austin, TX asks how to discover new drum sounds. What do you do when you start to get bored with your own playing? In this episode, I’ll explain how to use the formula IMAGINATION + RESTRICTION = CREATIVITY to create an infinite number of new sounds on your kit. 

In this episode, I'll show you what Active Listening is by deconstructing the tune "So What" by Miles Davis. Active Listening is a game-changer for how you can listen to music. I'll also be reading listener comments and talk about my upcoming trip to Asia!

Show notes and links for this episode can be found at http://www.askthedrummer.com

#1 - INCONSISTENT INCOME
If you are a working drummer, chances are that you are doing many different things to earn a living: fill-in gigs, summer tours, weekend cover band gigs, weeknight jazz gigs, teaching lessons, or all of the above. Because gigs come and go year-round and can be quite unpredictable, it means that your income will likely be fluctuating from month to month.

Therefore, you need to treat yourself as if you were running your own streamlined business, because you are! As a professional drummer, you need to have a better handle on your finances than most other people do because you don't have the comfort of a full-time salary position. But, the good news is that it IS possible to make a living as a working drummer, you just have to make some changes to the way you handle your finances/lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to face an inconsistent income:

Ben from Florida asks about locking in with other bandmates. What do you do if you can’t seem to lock in the pocket with another musician? In this episode, I offer my thoughts and tips on how to approach these situations when they come up.

Johnny from Indianapolis asks about selecting a drum stick. Do you pick a versatile stick for all genres or do you use different sticks for different gigs? In this episode, I discuss the 6 factors that go into drum stick design, and how you can use this information to find the right stick for the job.

It becomes virtually impossible to let criticism effect you negatively if you stay focused your own happiness, goals, and purpose.